The Most Amazing Facts About South Africa You Didn't Know (10 photos)

The most economically developed country on the African continent is South Africa. The country's name speaks for itself, or more precisely, its location. South Africa is located at the southern tip of Africa and borders the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.

Its population is over 48 million. Its per capita GDP is $10,200. There are as many as 11 official languages. But what else do we know about South Africa? Below are some fascinating facts.







Electricity in South Africa is the cheapest in the world. Thanks to its vast coal reserves, the cost of electricity is approximately 10 cents per kilowatt-hour. (World Bank Photo Collection)





South Africa is home to the world's deepest gold mine, Tau Tona. Its depth exceeds 3.4 km. It's also worth noting that the country is considered a world leader in gold and platinum production, with 750 mines located within its borders. (John Lodder)



South Africa has all the landforms found on planet Earth. (Jono Hey)



South Africa voluntarily renounced nuclear weapons, despite being one of the countries developing them. (Pierre J.)



The world's largest diamond, the Cullinan (3,106.75 carats), was found in the Premier Mine in South Africa. The gem, later split into nine pieces, was given to King Edward VII of Great Britain as a birthday gift from the government of the Transvaal Colony. (Paul Parsons)



In South Africa, scientists have discovered the earliest evidence of life on Earth – blue-green algae that lived approximately 3,500 million years ago. (budak)



South Africa is home to the planet's largest impact crater, Vredefort. Its diameter is 250-300 kilometers. Vredefort is 2 billion years old. (Júlio Reis)



The Karoo region is one of the world's leading fossil sites. A huge number of dinosaur remains have been discovered here. (Jim Deane)



The world's most luxurious train runs through South Africa. A trip from Cape Town to Pretoria on this Rovos Rail train costs $1,500. (David Brossard)